New 'roots' to emerge

Proud owner William C. Root Jr. in 1966 in front of Root's Home Confectionary 439 South Ave. in Westfield

To the Editor:
The bricks and mortar that hold the memories of so many past and present Westfield area residents are now gone.

Our father owns the buildings on South Avenue in Westfield that burned down on Sunday, Jan. 22.

While presently known by anchor store Clyne and Murphy, it was the home of Root’s Confectionary from 1966-1982.

The fire brings much pain to our family and we are amazed by the calls, e-mails and posts from people who are identifying with the loss of this era of their life.

Root’s sold coffee, candy, egg creams and much more. Commuters visited on their way to work, kids before/after and sometimes during the school day. Locals visited regularly. You would always find Flo and Bill Root there behind the counters.

While the buildings are totally destroyed and will be demolished soon, our family plans to rebuild on this location and the buildings will bring new life to that corner. New memories will be made.